‘We can’t afford to miss this opportunity to regenerate Bristol city centre’

Currently downtrodden and riddled with vacant premises, Broadmead’s regeneration is hailed as a vital chance to secure the long-term future of Bristol city centre.

Plans to completely re-imagine Horsefair through to Quakers Friar have finally been given the green light by councillors, despite remaining concerns about the inclusion of a multi-storey car park in an area where air pollution levels are already above legal limits.

“It’s about securing a healthy, vibrant city centre for years to come,” said Phillipa Zieba, head of planning at Hammersons, part of the Bristol Alliance Limited Partnership, the owners of Cabot Circus and company behind the application.

Broadmead as it stands and how it could look in the future

Speaking at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, she continued: “Positive support today is critical to going ahead with this multi-million pound regeneration.

“We have listened to your concerns and we have reduced the car park and stopped access from Brunswick Square.”

She added that the development will bring benefits in the form of £9m in additional business rates, jobs throughout the construction process and after, new city homes and improved cycle and pedestrian routes.

Opposition to another multi-storey car park in the heart of the city stalled plans in September.

The applicant has since reduced the car park down from 580 spaces to 380, saying the remaining are required for disabled people and to cater for increased footfall.

But Jerome Thomas, Green councillor for Clifton, and others, remain opposed to the inclusion of a multi-storey car park, branding it unnecessary and likely to increase the already severe traffic congestion in the area.

Thomas proposed that if it must be included, the car park should be used for overflow parking only.

A number of shop premises are currently standing empty

Ultimately, members were swayed by the need to see the regeneration project go ahead, particularly as a preferred option to the proposed expansion of Cribbs Causeway, which would bring a significantly higher increase in traffic.

Speaking in support of the plans, John Hirst, the chief executive of Destination Bristol, said: “Market needs and occupier demands have changed and Bristol must respond.

“We cannot afford to miss this opportunity to improve Bristol city centre. It brings significant social, economic and environmental benefits. The investment will send out a clear and positive message to all concerned that Bristol is a fantastic place to live, work and invest.”

Jo Sergeant, Labour councillor for Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston, raised concerns about the cost of the retail units and asked for assurance that affordable business premises are included in the regeneration, so it does not become a destination exclusively for chain stores.

While there are still issues to resolve around transport and cycle links, councillors agreed to approve the outline planning application, enabling it to go through to the next stage.

Two committee members abstained from voting in opposition to the inclusion of the car park.

Jerome Thomas (pictured on the far left with fellow Green Party members) warns air pollution is already at dangerous levels

Speaking after the meeting, Thomas said: “I’m pleased that Broadmead’s redevelopment is likely to go ahead, but disappointed that the developers have been given the go-ahead to construct the associated car park.

“Adding another multi-storey car park in the centre of Bristol is likely to stack up problems for the city, increasing already severe traffic congestion and increasing bus journey times.”

Historic photo of Broadmead

Read more: ‘Broadmead redevelopment will ensure sustainability of Bristol city centre’